THE family of a ‘superwoman’ who was always the first to help crash victims is trying to stay positive after she was hit by a car.

Pushpa Pattni has been partially disabled since the 90s and has suffered three strokes, a heart attack and epilepsy, as well as having had major brain surgery.

And the 68-year-old, of Wickham Court Road, West Wickham, is now critically ill in the same hospital as her husband died in 35 years ago.

Her son Minesh, of the same address, says she always taught him and his sister Dipika to help others and she was on her way to deliver hot food to shopkeepers at the Maxy Supermarket when the accident happened.

The 40-year-old said: “She has always been a caring, friendly and helpful person.

“Ironically, at our former house in Bargrove Close, Anerley, there used to be road accidents every two weeks in the middle of the night and she used to always get up and call the emergency services and be the first on the scene with blankets and comforting the victims.

“She used to always make food for people on the estate and helped others.

“A true superwoman of a single parent, she showed us how to respect everyone and to help others from as far back as we can remember.”

After being hit by the car at around 9.45pm on August 19 Mrs Pattni lay unconscious on the road before police and paramedics arrived at the scene in the High Street, West Wickham.

They did first aid and minor surgery to remove air pockets near her chest before she was taken to Kings College Hospital.

Her son added: “It has been very difficult for my wife, sister and I, however we have a strong friends and family network which helps us a lot.

“We are trying to remain positive but are naturally upset.”

The driver of the car stopped at the scene and has not been arrested.

Anyone with information or who witnessed the incident is asked to call the police on 020 8285 1574.